We’re thrilled to introduce the newest member of our customer service team – and this introduction comes with a twist that we think you’ll love. Meet Äsk, our customer services manager who happens to be a beautifully crafted moth puppet!
The Artist Behind the Magic
Äsk was created by the incredibly talented Allison Ewert, a master puppet maker whose creative vision has shaped the Portland Film Festival’s visual identity for the past five years. Allison has established herself as both a traditional puppet artisan and an innovator in festival branding through character design, creating the whimsical mascot characters that have become synonymous with the festival’s inclusive spirit.
Her experience extends far beyond our local festival – Allison has worked creating puppets for film and has deep expertise in how puppet characters can serve as cultural ambassadors and community-building tools. This collaboration connects us to a rich tradition of puppet craftsmanship that the Portland Film Festival has celebrated over the years, working with experienced creators including Brian, Wendy, and Toby Froud, who worked alongside Jim Henson on legendary projects like The Dark Crystal, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Labyrinth.
Why a Moth? Our 2025 Mascot
Äsk isn’t just our customer services manager – this beautiful moth is also our official mascot for 2025. We chose a moth because these incredible creatures are often overlooked, yet they play such a vital role in our ecosystem. Much like the independent storytellers and creators we support, moths work tirelessly behind the scenes, pollinating plants and maintaining the delicate balance of nature.
This symbolism feels perfect for what we do. Just as moths are essential yet underappreciated contributors to our world, we believe in celebrating and supporting the independent voices and creators who often work without the spotlight they deserve. Äsk embodies this philosophy – bringing attention to the overlooked while providing the essential service and care our customers need.
Meet Allison and Learn About Puppetry
Want to learn more about the magic behind Äsk and dive deep into the world of puppet artistry? Join Allison Ewert for the “Puppets in Pakistan Panel – Meet artist of Paki Dost and fest mascots” on October 2, 2025, from 3:30 – 5:00 PM PDT at the Grand Hall Upstairs, Center for Native Arts + Cultures (800 S.E. 10th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97214).
This extraordinary panel offers audiences a unique glimpse into puppet artistry and its evolving role in contemporary cinema and festival culture. Allison will discuss her work on “Paki Dost,” a festival selection that demonstrates the power of puppetry as a storytelling medium, while sharing insights from her five years creating the Portland Film Festival’s beloved mascot characters.
The panel celebrates the rich tradition of Pakistani puppetry while exploring how these ancient art forms translate into modern filmmaking and festival culture. You’ll discover how puppet characters bridge generational and cultural divides, and learn about the unique collaborative nature of puppet-based projects where traditional craft skills meet modern storytelling techniques.
Throughout the festival, Allison will be working with puppets and helping Äsk meet his customer experience goals. Whether you’re curious about puppetry, interested in learning about the intersection of traditional arts and contemporary filmmaking, or just want to see puppet artistry in action, come meet her in person!
For complete details: https://pdxff.com/schedule/puppets-in-pakistan-panel-68d56de675f33a8163670033
What This Means for You
While Äsk may be made of fabric and creativity rather than flesh and blood, the commitment to exceptional customer service remains very real. This innovative approach reflects our dedication to making every customer interaction special and our appreciation for the artistry that independent creators like Allison bring to the world.
We’re excited for you to meet both Äsk and Allison, experiencing firsthand this unique blend of artistry and customer service. It’s another way we’re working to support independent artists while creating something truly special for our customers.
Welcome to the team, Äsk! 🦋
